Alexandria, Va., June 10, 2014—Protecting your boat, outdoor power equipment, snow mobile, motorcycle and small engine equipment just got easier – thanks to a new partnership that reminds consumers to avoid using greater than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment or other non-road product, such as boats, snowmobiles and motorcycles, with the exception of “flex-fuel” engine products.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading association for the North American recreational boating industry, will distribute ‘Look Before You Pump’ messaging and materials to its membership and other stakeholders. Created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign helps consumers protect their boat, other non-road vehicles, and outdoor power and small engine equipment investments.

Known by its emblematic prominent, red warning hand symbol indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85), the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is spreading nationwide as ethanol blended fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol are made available in the marketplace for ‘flex-fuel’ automobiles. The campaign was launched in October 2013.

Major retail outlets including Lowe’s, Walmart and True Value, as well as independent dealers, began using the ‘Look Before You Pump’ message in their stores and in spring preview circulars and catalogs over the last few months. Additionally, Scripps Networks Interactive’s DIY Network is supporting the program through social media promotion, custom research and in-show messaging.

“The level of support for ‘Look Before You Pump’ has been growing steadily,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “Retailers, dealers, manufacturers—and now major industry organizations such as the NMMA—have stepped up to help caution American consumers and business owners to be more mindful of the changing fuels marketplace and selecting the right fuel for the right product.”

According to Thom Dammrich, President of NMMA, “We want to ensure that our manufacturers have the tools to inform their customers about the dangers of ethanol-blended fuel greater than 10 percent so that everyone can stay safe and have fun on the water. The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is a smart, simple way to help others understand how and why ethanol can be a problem in boat engines and we thank OPEI for welcoming NMMA as we work together on this important consumer education effort.”

OPEI and NMMA urge consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling engines with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel. For more information, visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com and search for #LookB4UPump on Twitter and Facebook.

A summer 2013 OPEI/Harris Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything greater than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

Subsequent research in April 2014 through Scripps’ Under One Roof panel survey,* shows that just over 72 percent are not aware that new fuels are available for certain automobiles on the market that are illegal for use in outdoor power equipment and all other non-automobile engine equipment. Just over 28 percent of respondents to the survey said they select the same gasoline for their outdoor power equipment as they do for their car or truck. Just over 12 percent said they select fuel by price, while more than 43 percent select fuel as stated in their owner’s manual.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. The OPEI Education Foundation is the creative force behind TurfMutt.com. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of
GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual industry tradeshow. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

About NMMA

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in North America. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. Learn more at www.nmma.org.

]]>http://opei.org/the-national-marine-manufacturers-association-partners-with-opei-on-the-look-before-you-pump-ethanol-education-campaign/feed/0Power gear group warns against high-ethanol gas Store signs highlight damaging effects of E15 gashttp://opei.org/power-gear-group-warns-against-high-ethanol-gas-store-signs-highlight-damaging-effects-of-e15-gas-2/
http://opei.org/power-gear-group-warns-against-high-ethanol-gas-store-signs-highlight-damaging-effects-of-e15-gas-2/#commentsMon, 24 Mar 2014 13:20:06 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5882The gasoline most of us put into our cars and outdoor gear, with 10-percent ethanol, is available nationwide, and we pump E10 without a second thought. But a newer form of gas is good for only some cars—and a nightmare for outdoor power equipment. Nothing, in fact, warns you against filling up your mower, string trimmer, or gas can other than a little 3×3-inch warning label that competes for your attention with larger, bolder ads on the gas pump. So the outdoor power equipment trade group is waving the warning flag in Lowe’s, Walmart, and other stores.

That newer form of gasoline, called E15, has 15-percent ethanol, and ethanol causes small engines to run hotter and draw in water, which makes for tougher starting and eventually ruins seals, tubing, and linkages—all of which affect durability. Already 59 gas stations in 12 states carry E15, and the list is growing. If your car is newer than model year 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says using E15 is fine. For outdoor power equipment, the little sticker warns, “it may cause damage and is prohibited by federal law.” The industry’s trade group, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, knows that if you put E15 gas into your power gear and it overheats and quits, you might kick yourself for putting in “prohibited” gas.

It’s not the machine, it’s the gas
More likely, though, you’ll curse the manufacturer and swear never to buy that brand again—especially when you learn that practically no product warranty covers damage resulting from using gasoline with ethanol higher than 10 percent. OPEI last year began the program, Look Before You Pump, to educate and protect consumers and manufacturers. But more recently, the group has ramped up the program further, with warning signs displayed near the price tags in stores.

Alexandria, Va., February 20, 2014—As consumers head to retail stores this spring to purchase mowers, chain saws, generators, blowers, trimmers, power washers, and a host of other small engine equipment, they will see an important ethanol fuel message from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers. The message to ‘Look Before You Pump’ will help consumers protect their outdoor power and small engine equipment investments.

In thousands of retail store aisles across the country and in spring preview circulars and catalogs, consumers will be reminded that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment or other non-road product, such as boats, snowmobiles and motorcycles, with the exception of “flex-fuel” engine products. Independent dealers began using the ‘Look Before You Pump’ message in their stores in fall 2013.

Lowe’s and Walmart are supporting the educational program through in-store signage and circulars, and True Value Hardware will highlight the program on the back cover of its spring outdoor power catalog.

Additionally, ScrippsNetworks Interactive’sDIY Network is supporting the program through social media promotion, custom research and in-show messaging.

Known by its emblematic prominent, red warning hand symbol indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85), the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is spreading nationwide as ethanol blended fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol are made available in the marketplace for “flex-fuel” automobiles.

“OPEI’s ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is designed to protect consumers’ equipment investment by educating them on using the right fuel for the right product,” said Michael Jones chief merchandising officer at Lowe’s. “The campaign offers a simple yet effective way to inform customers about the adverse impact of higher than 10 percent ethanol fuel blends on outdoor power equipment for which it is not designed.”

According to senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at True Value Company, Ken Goodgame, “OPEI’s ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is exactly what our stores need to meet the challenges posed by higher ethanol fuel blends. We used to see about a 70 percent fuel related failure rate, but now with E10 and E15, we find that up to 80 percent of all portable and four-stroke OPE failures that come back in our stores are related to fuel, so we recommend customers use a fuel stabilizer. Ethanol has proven to be a corrosive and problematic fuel additive, and we are keen to share the ‘Look Before You Pump’ warning with our customers.”

According to Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the world’s

largest manufacturer of small engines, and OPEI’s board chair, “It is critical that we educate all users of

outdoor power equipment about the dangers misfueling can cause to their equipment. Our number one

goal is to protect our customers, and the more we can get this information in front of them, the better off

they will be.”

“We’ve been very pleased with the level of support for ‘Look Before You Pump’ from retailers and dealers who sell small engine and outdoor power equipment. They understand the importance of cautioning American consumers and the business owners whose livelihood depends on our equipment to be more mindful at the gas pump. It’s imperative that the consumer is educated about the changing fuels marketplace and getting the right fuel for the right product,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI.

OPEI urges consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling equipment with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel for that engine. For more information, visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com and search for #LookB4UPump on Twitter and Facebook.

Recent research shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A summer 2013 OPEI/Harris Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. The OPEI Education Foundation is the creative force behind TurfMutt.com. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of
GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual industry tradeshow. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

]]>http://opei.org/lowes-walmart-and-true-value-retailers-bring-look-before-you-pump-ethanol-message-direct-to-consumers/feed/0Blower, ethanol don’t mix – Small engines not working at best with gas blendhttp://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/
http://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/#commentsMon, 09 Dec 2013 15:46:34 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5516Soon enough, you won’t just be eyeing that snowblower – you’ll need to fill it up and use it.

But there’s a wrinkle users of equipment powered by small gasoline engines need to keep in mind, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

More gas stations are carrying ethanol blends, and more people are putting the fuels into their cars. But many don’t know those fuels should not be used in the equipment they turn to in winter weather.

“Don’t assume that the same ‘gas’ you put in your car can still go in your mower, snowblower, chain saw or generator,” says Kris Kiser, institute president and chief executive officer. “It will destroy your engine.”

]]>http://opei.org/blower-ethanol-dont-mix-small-engines-not-working-at-best-with-gas-blend/feed/0Be mindful of what’s going in your snow blowerhttp://opei.org/be-mindful-of-whats-going-in-your-snow-blower/
http://opei.org/be-mindful-of-whats-going-in-your-snow-blower/#commentsTue, 29 Oct 2013 15:10:22 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=5186NEW YORK (CNN) – Options at the gas pump are expanding, and while you’re probably mindful of what goes in your car’s tank, here’s a heads up for those filling up leaf blowers, snow blowers and more.

By now, many have put away the lawn mower, moved on to the leaf blower, and may soon tune up the snow blower.

No matter which tool you’re powering up, be aware of more options at the gas station, as more ethanol gets pumped into the mix.

The key to remember is the fuels marketplace is changing. We are no longer in a static situation, and so, pumps may look different, gas stations may look different; they may not be the same.

The outdoor power equipment institute is urging consumers to take a second look before fueling small machines that may not be designed for new blends.

The problem is the hundreds of millions of engine units, engine products in use today are all designed built and warranted to run on fuel containing more than 10 percent of ethanol, and so that’s the challenge. Read more from the article here.

Alexandria, Va., October 23, 2013—The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, today announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called ‘Look Before You Pump.’

The ‘Look Before You Pump’ education campaign cautions consumers that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, snow throwers, UTVs, generators and other small engine products.

The urgency of the industry’s campaign comes from research that shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A recent OPEI/Harris Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign will reach consumers through radio and video public service announcements (PSA), fact sheets, in-store displays, labeling and product hang-tags. A prominent, red warning hand indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85) is the campaign’s main graphic.

“Although there is continued uncertainty in the renewable fuels market, one thing for certain is that the way consumers select and use fuel will be changing in the coming years,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.

“It is incumbent upon our industry to be proactive. We are cautioning American consumers and business owners whose livelihood depends on our equipment to be more mindful at the gas pump. Don’t assume that the gas you put in your car can still go in your mower, chain saw or generator.”

According to Todd Teske, Chairman, President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of small engines, and OPEI’s Board Chair, “It is critical that we educate all users of outdoor power equipment about the dangers misfueling can cause to their equipment. Our number one goal is to protect our customers.”

OPEI urges consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel for that engine.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. The OPEI Education Foundation is the creative force behind TurfMutt.com. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

]]>http://opei.org/outdoor-power-equipment-institute-advises-consumers-to-look-before-you-pump-at-gas-station/feed/0Safeguarding Against the E15 Ethanol Riskhttp://opei.org/safeguarding-against-the-e15-ethanol-risk/
http://opei.org/safeguarding-against-the-e15-ethanol-risk/#commentsMon, 16 Sep 2013 15:13:38 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=4886E15, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, is only compatible with cars newer than the 2001 model year, although some automobile manufacturers state that E15 does not comply with the fuel requirements specified in their owner’s manuals. Additionally, E15 is not safe for small-engine powered lawn equipment. Nonetheless, E15 is coming.

“As of right now (September 1, 2013) there are more than 30 stations offering E15 in nine states,” says Robert White, director of market development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Those states are Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. Read more from the article here.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States between from July 31-August 2, 2013 among 2,040 adults ages 18 and older by Harris Interactive on behalf of OPEI via its Quick Query omnibus product. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Background/Objectives

Specifically, OPEI sought to learn:

What are the first things people notice when arriving at the fuel pump?

Do they know there is ethanol in gasoline?

Do they fill up their portable gas tank with the same fuel used to fill their vehicle?

Do they use the least expensive grade of gasoline whenever possible?

When they fuel up their car at the gas station, do they check the fuel pump for any warning labels?

Do they assume that any gas sold at the gas station is safe for all of their cars, as well as boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products?

Do they know it is illegal to put higher level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products?

]]>http://opei.org/executive-summary-report-ethanol-study-by-harris-interactive-from-july-31-august-2-2013/feed/0New Survey Finds Majority of Consumers Unaware of Risk and Illegality of Using Higher Ethanol Fuel Blends in Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Engine Productshttp://opei.org/new-survey-finds-majority-of-consumers-unaware-of-risk-and-illegality-of-using-higher-ethanol-fuel-blends-in-outdoor-power-equipment-and-other-engine-products-2/
http://opei.org/new-survey-finds-majority-of-consumers-unaware-of-risk-and-illegality-of-using-higher-ethanol-fuel-blends-in-outdoor-power-equipment-and-other-engine-products-2/#commentsWed, 11 Sep 2013 15:29:25 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=4786– OPEI set to launch ethanol education and consumer protection campaign on October 23 at GIE+EXPO 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky –

ALEXANDRIA, VA. — A new online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, finds that U.S. consumers are ill-prepared for the introduction of higher ethanol fuel blends.

EPA has approved the introduction of some mid-level ethanol blends (E15, E30, E85) for use in a small, subset of automobiles in an effort to comply with the federal renewable fuel mandate; the problem is that these higher ethanol fuel blends may be dispensed alongside current fuels, but they are illegal and risky to use in hundreds of millions of small engine products and applications.

This includes small engine products, such as mowers, garden tractors, chain saws, boats, snow throwers, trimmers, UTVs, power washers, blowers, chippers, grinders, generators, jaws of life, concrete saws and other compact construction equipment, as well as small engine applications such as water pumps and irrigation systems.

]]>http://opei.org/new-survey-finds-majority-of-consumers-unaware-of-risk-and-illegality-of-using-higher-ethanol-fuel-blends-in-outdoor-power-equipment-and-other-engine-products-2/feed/0New Survey Finds Majority of Consumers Unaware of Risk and Illegality of Using Higher Ethanol Fuel Blends in Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Engine Productshttp://opei.org/new-survey-finds-majority-of-consumers-unaware-of-risk-and-illegality-of-using-higher-ethanol-fuel-blends-in-outdoor-power-equipment-and-other-engine-products/
http://opei.org/new-survey-finds-majority-of-consumers-unaware-of-risk-and-illegality-of-using-higher-ethanol-fuel-blends-in-outdoor-power-equipment-and-other-engine-products/#commentsWed, 11 Sep 2013 12:30:31 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=4780–OPEI set to launch ethanol education and consumer protection campaign on
October 23 at GIE+EXPO 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky –

Alexandria, Va., September 11, 2013—A new online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, finds that U.S. consumers are ill-prepared for the introduction of higher ethanol fuel blends.

EPA has approved the introduction of some mid-level ethanol blends (E15, E30, E85) for use in a small, subset of automobiles in an effort to comply with the federal renewable fuel mandate; the problem is that these higher ethanol fuel blends may be dispensed alongside current fuels, but they are illegal and risky to use in hundreds of millions of small engine products and applications.

This includes small engine products, such as mowers, garden tractors, chain saws, boats, snow throwers, trimmers, UTVs, power washers, blowers, chippers, grinders, generators, jaws of life, concrete saws and other compact construction equipment, as well as small engine applications such as water pumps and irrigation systems.

The study conducted on behalf of OPEI from July 31-August 2, 2013 surveyed 2,040 U.S. adults ages 18 and older about their fuel buying behavior and fuel awareness at gas stations.

Key Findings of Survey

The vast majority of Americans (71%) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10 percent ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say they assume that any gas sold at the gas station is safe for all of their cars, as well as boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.

For Americans who drive up to the fuel pump, price is overwhelmingly the number one thing they notice (91%). Whether the pump accepts credit cards (64%) and the octane rating (55%) come in second and third place.- Only a quarter (25%) of these Americans notices the ethanol content.

“Obviously, the ethanol survey responses are troubling to the outdoor power equipment industry since our products are designed and warranted to run only on 10 percent or less ethanol blended fuel. The data shows us that consumers are unprepared for the rollout of higher ethanol blended fuels at today’s gas stations and the potential for misfueling is high,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI.

According to Kiser, “Many consumers are determined to buy the least expensive gasoline, while they still assume that the same fuel can go in their car as well as their mower, chain saw or generator. This points to a huge awareness gap and dire need for education.”

To protect current owners and future purchasers of small engines, UTVs and outdoor power equipment, OPEI will be launching an ethanol education and consumer protection campaign at the 2013 GIE+EXPO, the annual green industry and equipment exposition, to educate consumers about the variety of fuels available at the pump, and how to identify the right fuel for their outdoor power equipment. To register for GIE+EXPO, go to www.gie-expo.com

This survey was conducted online within the United States between from July 31-August 2, 2013 among 2,040 adults ages 18 and older by Harris Interactive on behalf of OPEI via its Quick Query omnibus product. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Caroline March-Long.

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. The OPEI Education Foundation is the creative force behind TurfMutt.com. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.